MOREHEAD, Ky. -- Haylee DePonte, a transfer from Stephen F. Austin, has joined the Morehead State Beach Volleyball program for the 2026 season.
DePonte is a native of Aiea, Hawaii and is the first Hawaiian native to be in the beach or indoor volleyball programs in both teams' histories.
DePonte helped Stephen F. Austin to a program record 22-14 record in 2025. She will be a redshirt freshman for the Eagles next season.
"I chose Morehead State because of the incredible coaching staff and the tight-knit team environment," she said. "From the moment I connected with everyone, I felt truly welcomed. Morehead State felt like the perfect fit for me, both athletically and academically. The opportunity to compete for a great program while pursuing my dream of becoming a nurse means a lot to me."
She earned Dean's List and President's List academic honors in her one year at SFA.
At Moanalua High School, she was a National Junior Honor Society Member (2020-2021), National Honor Society Member (2023-2024), Scholar-Athlete of the Year (2023), four-year Honor Roll member and four-year Principal list.
She helped MHS to a conference title in 2021. She was All-Conference Honorable Mention in 2021, All-Conference Second Team in 2022, All-State Honorable Mention in 2022 and All-Conference Second Team in 2023. DePonte garnered All-State Honorable Mention in 2023.
"I'm excited to continue playing at the collegiate level while working toward a meaningful degree," she added. "I'm looking forward to meeting new people, building strong relationships, and making Morehead State my home away from home. Being part of a supportive program means a lot to me, and I can't wait to grow both on and off the court."
DePonte played indoor volleyball as well for 13 seasons.
